To ensure safety before shooting, you should ensure what?

• A. Have a proper backstop before shooting
• B. Shoot from an unstable position
• C. Aim at distant targets first
• D. Move around while aiming

Answer: (A)

Before shooting, make sure there is a proper backstop in place. A backstop is a solid barrier that safely stops or contains the bullet, preventing it from traveling beyond the target and potentially hitting people, animals, or property behind or to the sides. This is the key safety step because it directly controls where a bullet could go if you miss or if it ricochets. Other options don’t address what happens to the projectile after it leaves the muzzle: shooting from an unstable position increases the risk of loss of control, aiming at distant targets first doesn’t improve safety, and moving around while aiming raises the chance of an accidental discharge.